Stripped torx
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 2,134
From: W. Texas
WP
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
I remove and discard Torx fasteners on my vehicles replacing them with hex socket cap or standard hex cap fasteners.
For me, the Torx fasteners and their bits fail (strip out or break apart) often.
They seem to work okay for deck screws (like building a wood deck) but sadly that won't help you with your problem.
Cutting a slot in the head and using some heat (if possible) does work well.
I have had to weld a piece onto bolt heads that I can get a adjustable end wrench on for the worst ones.
Use penetrating oil too.
The very best penetrating oil I have used is Cabots Tasgon.
Not sure if it is still available. Where I worked they stopped using it because if you get it in your eye(s) it causes immediate irreversible eye damage.
I finally bought some reverse flute drill bits but have not had occasion to use them yet.
But I'm sure I will some day...
For me, the Torx fasteners and their bits fail (strip out or break apart) often.
They seem to work okay for deck screws (like building a wood deck) but sadly that won't help you with your problem.
Cutting a slot in the head and using some heat (if possible) does work well.
I have had to weld a piece onto bolt heads that I can get a adjustable end wrench on for the worst ones.
Use penetrating oil too.
The very best penetrating oil I have used is Cabots Tasgon.
Not sure if it is still available. Where I worked they stopped using it because if you get it in your eye(s) it causes immediate irreversible eye damage.
I finally bought some reverse flute drill bits but have not had occasion to use them yet.
But I'm sure I will some day...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
For those that are considering replacing their torx fasteners with conventional fasteners, here's some interesting information (Scroll down, and click on Principles of operation).
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx
Last edited by barneyboy; Jul 8, 2018 at 07:34 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
The contributor is a mechanical engineer. Good enough for me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
Whenever I want to know what an absolute idiot knows about a subject, I go straight to wikipedia.
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